COPD death risk halved using

Tweet People suffering with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may find that combining two currently available medications halves their risk of death within two years as well and improves their overall health status and quality of life.

The conclusion is drawn from the first human trial to compare treatment of COPD with a combination of salmeterol and fluticasone [SFC] to tiotropium therapy. The medications in the study are currently prescribed to improve breathing among patients with COPD or asthma.

COPD, a chronic disease that makes it difficult to breathe easily, is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. More than 11 million people are diagnosed with the condition, according to the American Lung Association.

The risk of death ranges from 5-31% over two years depending upon the severity of the COPD


Risk of death for those with COPD

If you are hospitalized with COPD then there is a 42% risk of death within 1 year.